The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially unveiled Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as its Deputy Governorship Candidate for the 2027 governorship election, solidifying the party’s preparations ahead of the crucial poll.
The announcement was made on Sunday during a high-level APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held in Abeokuta, where party leaders, stakeholders and members gathered to chart the party’s roadmap towards retaining power in the state.
Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun will serve as the running mate to the APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who is widely regarded as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 election.
Her emergence follows weeks of intense consultations and strategic political calculations within the ruling party, with indications that the deputy governorship position had been zoned to Ogun East Senatorial District as part of efforts to promote inclusiveness, political balance and broader electoral appeal.
Party sources revealed that the APC leadership resolved to allocate the deputy governorship slot to Ogun East, with the position reportedly micro-zoned to the Ijebu axis, a move seen as a deliberate effort to strengthen the party’s support base across the district.
The decision was reportedly discussed during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting attended by prominent APC leaders, including Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ogun APC Chairman, Alhaji Yemi Sanusi; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Kunle Salako; Chief Olu Agemo; Chief Joju Fadairo and several other influential figures within the party.
Political analysts have described the zoning arrangement as a strategic move aimed at consolidating support in Ogun East while complementing Senator Adeola’s political influence across other parts of the state.
Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, 51, hails from Ososa in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. A distinguished Chartered Accountant and corporate executive, she currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage manufacturing companies.
She brings to the APC ticket over two decades of experience in finance, administration, corporate governance and business management.
She is also the daughter of renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, the Asiwaju of Ijebuland, former Chairman of Sterling Bank and Chairman of Rite Foods Limited.
Her professional accomplishments and deep roots within the Ogun East political and socio-economic landscape are believed to have strengthened her candidacy and eventual emergence as Senator Adeola’s preferred running mate.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun commended party leaders and members for maintaining unity and discipline throughout the party’s internal processes.
The governor noted that the APC had successfully produced candidates for various elective positions from a large pool of aspirants without internal crises, describing the development as a testament to the party’s maturity and cohesion.
He urged party members to remain focused and committed as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Senator Solomon Adeola, while introducing his running mate to party faithful, described Alhaja Adegunwa-Balogun as a woman of integrity, competence and outstanding professional pedigree.
According to him, her wealth of experience in the corporate sector, leadership capacity and commitment to public service make her a valuable addition to the APC ticket.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would provide the leadership required to sustain Ogun State’s developmental trajectory and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
In her acceptance remarks, Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun expressed gratitude to the APC leadership, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Adeola and party stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her.
She pledged to justify the trust placed in her by working tirelessly alongside Senator Adeola to secure victory for the APC in 2027 and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Ogun State.
She emphasized her commitment to inclusive governance, economic growth, youth empowerment and sustainable development, promising to bring her extensive corporate experience to bear in public service.
With the formal unveiling of the Yayi–Kudirat ticket, the APC has effectively signalled the commencement of its strategic push towards the 2027 governorship election.
Party stakeholders at the meeting reportedly stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization, party unity and strategic engagement with voters across the state, describing the forthcoming election as critical to consolidating the achievements of the current administration.
Political observers believe that the combination of Senator Adeola’s political experience and Alhaja Adegunwa-Balogun’s corporate expertise presents a formidable ticket that could significantly influence the political dynamics of the 2027 Ogun governorship race.
The APC leadership expressed optimism that the ticket represents a blend of experience, competence, inclusiveness and progressive leadership capable of advancing the state’s development agenda and securing victory at the polls.
